Caution: Take care in, on and around water during high surf advisories

While the gusty, rainy weather Guam has been experiencing in the last few days is expected to improve today, hazardous sea and surf conditions are expected to continue through later tonight, and people should be cautious if they're going to be on, in or near the ocean.

The National Weather Service issued a high-surf advisory and small-craft advisory through 6 p.m. today. This means anyone who plans to be around the water, including boaters, needs to be vigilant and wary of powerful waves. The Weather Service says people should consider avoiding the water altogether until the advisory is over.

The waters surrounding Guam are beautiful and bountiful, but potentially deadly to swimmers, snorkelers, divers, fishermen and boaters. Far too many lives are lost every year in the oceans around the island, often because of rip currents, big waves and rough seas.

The ocean is powerful and must be respected at all times, but especially when hazardous sea and surf conditions are announced. It's imperative that anyone and everyone who will be out on, in or near the ocean in these types of conditions take special precautions to be safe and avoid dangerous, and possibly deadly, situations.

Never swim or dive alone, especially in hazardous conditions. Fishermen must stay alert to any changes to the sea and surf. As the Coast Guard puts it: "If in doubt, don't go out."

Boaters often may feel they are safe because they are on a vessel, but they also must exercise common sense and take the appropriate safety precautions, such as ensuring there are adequate life jackets and that they have the means to signal for help -- flares, cellphones and an operational long-range radio.

Always be cautious and aware to be safe while near the ocean, especially during the hazardous sea advisory.